Etymology
Origin of ruffianism
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
As attacks on the rule of law become more frequent and intense, the public has rekindled its often dormant affection for public-interest lawyers — endearingly unglamorous defenders of principle over politics, of rules over ruffianism.
From New York Times ● Jan. 21, 2020
Its ruffianism has no social function; it satisfies itself.
From The Guardian ● Oct. 5, 2012
A scrubby beard covered his face to the cheekbones, giving him an air of ruffianism that went oddly with his large weak frame and nervous movements.
From "1984" by George Orwell
Though his gratitude has given way to the greed of gold, he has not yet sunk to the level of that ruffianism around him.
From The Flag of Distress A Story of the South Sea by Mayne Reid
Their dark scowl betokened deadly hate; and I could see the young men of our detachment quail beneath the insulting ruffianism of their gaze.
From Jack Hinton The Guardsman by Charles James Lever
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
